Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation

SDCOE CSET Prep Program Frequently Asked Questions

Page Content

What is the cost of the SDCOE CSET Prep Program?
The SDCOE CSET Prep Program has two price points. The costs are $100
per subject area test, which includes resources for each subtest. Another
option is purchasing access by subtest for $40.

How long will I have access to the CSET Prep Program materials?
The registration fee buys access to the materials for 3 months.

How is the General Science CSET exam structured?
CSET General Science is a multiple-choice and short constructed
response exam that focuses primarily on the major concepts of Physics,
Biology, Earth Science and Chemistry. While it is unlikely that you will
be familiar with every concept or theory that may appear on the test, a basic
knowledge of the fundamentals will give you a solid foundation. Towards this
end, we've assembled a smorgasbord of key concepts from a variety of sources
in a variety of formats. We invite you to sample them crafting a customized
course of study and review that suits your individual needs.

The General Science Exam is broken into two subtests: each subtest consists
of 58 multiple choice questions and 2 constructed response questions

What science topics are covered by the General Science CSET exam?Subtest I covers Astronomy, Dynamic Processes of the
Earth, Earth Resources, Waves, Forces and Motion, Electricity and MagnetismSubtest II covers Ecology, Genetics and Evolution,
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cell and Organismal Biology, Heat Transfer
and Thermodynamics, Structure and Properties of Matter

What does the General Science CSET exam
expect me to know and be able to do?
When taking the CSET General Science Exam you will be expected
to not only know scientific theories but also be able to apply them to
various scenarios. The multiple choice section has many questions which
require that you go beyond simple memorization of facts and actually apply
your knowledge to perform calculations, determine outcomes, and analyze data. In
short - you will be expected to not only know facts but to think like a scientist!

How is the English CSET Exam structured?
CSET English is comprised of four subtests that include three 50 multiple-choice
question exams, two extended response questions, and four short response tasks.

What topics are covered by the English CSET exam subtests I - IV?
CSET English Subtest I is a 50 multiple-choice question exam that
focuses primarily on the skills of literary analysis applied to a broad
range of literary works.
CSET English Subtest II is comprised of two 50 multiple-choice
question exams that focus primarily on "Language, Linguistics,
and Literacy." A basic knowledge of how language develops and how
its various parts function will give you a solid foundation.
CSET English Subtest III contains 2 extended response questions that
focus on the skills of composition and literary analysis applied to one literary
and one nonliterary work.

CSET English Subtest III contains 2 extended response questions that
focus on the skills of composition and literary analysis applied to one literary
and one nonliterary work.
CSET English Subtest IV is comprised of 4 short responses that
focus primarily on the skills of communication as they apply to speech, media
and creative performance.

What does the English CSET exam expect
me to know and be able to do?
While it is unlikely that you have read every work that may appear
on the test, a basic knowledge of rhetorical arguments in both oral and written
composition will give you a solid foundation. More importantly, the skills
of literary analysis and criticism that you will learn in this course
can be generalized to any written work you may encounter on the test.

How is the Math CSET exam structured?
There are 30 multiple-choice questions and 4 short constructed responses in
each of the three subtests.

What topics are covered by the Math CSET exam subtests I – III?
CSET Mathematics Subtest I focuses primarily on the major concepts of Algebra
and Number Theory. Subtest II focuses primarily on the major concepts of
Geometry and Probability & Statistics. Subtest III focuses primarily
on the major concepts of Calculus and the History of Mathematics.

What does the Math CSET exam expect me
to know and be able to do?
When taking the CSET Mathematics Exam you will be expected
to not only know mathematical processes but also be able to apply them
to various scenarios. There will be questions which require that you
go beyond simple memorization and actually apply your knowledge to perform
calculations, determine outcomes, and analyze data. In short - you will be
expected to not only know facts but to think like a teacher!

How is the Multiple Subjects CSET exam structured?
There multiple-choice exams in each of the three subtests that range
from 39 to 50 questions.

What topics are covered by the Multiple Subjects CSET exam subtests
I – III?
MS CSET Subtest I focuses primarily on the skills of language acquisition
and literacy (26 questions); and major historical events and social science
concepts (26 questions). MS CSET Subtest II focuses primarily on math
fundamentals and basic scientific concepts applied to a broad range of
students. MS CSET Subtest III focuses primarily on the major concepts
of Physical Education, Human Development, and Visual and Performing Arts (13
questions each).

What does the Multiple Subjects CSET exam
expect me to know and be able to do?
While it is unlikely that you will be familiar with every concept or theory
that may appear on the test, a basic knowledge of the fundamentals will give
you a solid foundation. In short - you will be expected to not only know facts
but to think like a teacher!